You can soar in 2017

We have just come from a season of giving. Boxes and bags beautifully decorated with bows, all placed under a gorgeously lit Christmas Tree. The smell of freshly baked treats fills the air, the glistening ornaments reflecting the lights and warm feelings of family gathering together. Some are exchanging gifts, happiness in the heart and tingles on the skin. It is a joyful euphoria. Feelings only reserved for the “most wonderful time of the year.”

Now that the season of giving is over, is it possible to carry those wonderful feelings throughout the year? I don’t know about you, but I want to carry my Christmas high throughout 2017. I like the way it makes me feel.

So what actions can I take to replicate the experience?

Decide to give intentionally

At thanksgiving dinner, my sister-in-law gave me a big hug. I love hugs, so I melted in her embrace because she gives the best hugs. Immediately her lovely aroma captivated me. I had to get the name of that fragrance. I did and tried to commit it to memory. For the rest of the night, I could not stop thinking and talking about it. Absolutely divine.

In the stretch between thanksgiving and Christmas, one evening I came home from work and decided to give my husband words of encouragement. You see I’m really blessed to have him in my life, my kids are blessed and I wanted him to know that I am grateful. I wanted to replace my criticism or at times negativity with uplifting words. Exchanging vows on our wedding day was sacred and I wanted this moment to be sacred do I spoke to his soul from mine.

The next day after a long day at work, I came home exhausted. Dropped my bag and sat down at the kitchen table. On the table, I noticed a bag, I checked it, there was a box. I opened the box and found an unexpected surprise. Yes, you guessed it, it was the cologne.

As tired as I was, receiving a gift without ties to an obvious celebration, gave me such a boost of energy. I sprung to my feet and ran to give him a big hug.

Giving triggers Joy

I realized that acts of kindness arouse feelings of joy. When you give to someone when they least expect it, it gives them wings. So, what can you give away? Can you inspire a friend? Can you motivate a co-worker? Can you give your parent a hug or pickup the phone and say something meaningful? How about giving your time to help someone? Can you bring a busy boss coffee? Whatever you decide to do, it all has the same results.

Can you make a habit of giving? (Tweet this @radicalmediaex1)

Reverend Leontine Kelly says it best, “Acquire the habit of giving. Give intelligently and freely. I owe it to myself to give every day of my life.”

So today, think of something you can give away and add it to your calendar. To make it a habit, add a nightly reminder to your calendar asking the question, “What can I give tomorrow?” Then answer it.

Action Challenge

For today only, I give to you a gift, to spread the joy from my heart to yours. If you sign up on my contacts page, my January Daily Inspiration plan is yours for free. I promise it will refresh you for each day and give you practical steps to stay recharged. Also be on the lookout for February’s Picture Scripture Daily Inspiration. It is coming soon.

Share this post and let giving spread like wildfire.  Tweet or post this on Facebook, “I have so much to give.”